Technical Glitches Delay Digital Property Registry in Gurgaon

The rollout of a digital property registry in Gurgaon, aimed at enhancing transparency and reducing corruption, has encountered significant technical glitches, leading to stalled property transactions. Launched on November 1, 2023, the system was designed to simplify the registration process by minimizing direct interactions between officials and the public. Unfortunately, it has instead created hurdles, with daily property transactions dropping sharply from an average of 700 to only a few since the system’s introduction.

Users are facing multiple challenges while navigating the new online platform, leading to frustration. Document verification has proven particularly problematic for officials, as the system’s standard format for registry deeds does not permit modifications. This limitation prevents users from adding necessary clauses to their documents. Additionally, users are struggling to upload documents for verification, and the system fails to accommodate multiple buyers in a single transaction.

A tehsildar noted that the portal displays all documents in black and white, complicating the ability to distinguish between original documents and photocopies. Since original documents are vital for verification—given that photocopies can easily be forged—this issue poses a serious risk. Furthermore, the digital boundaries within the system are inaccurately represented, omitting sectors that fall under a single village.

The rollout’s problems have been exacerbated by inadequate training for officials, who are hesitant to fully embrace online document verification due to fears of potential repercussions. A senior revenue official reassured stakeholders that while previous manual verification lacked oversight, the new online system will promote accountability. “If an official rejects a file, they must provide reasons, and each rejection will be recorded in the system,” the official stated. “Similarly, any delay in approval will be documented.”

The digital registry is intended to reduce the reliance on deed writers, allowing users to upload their documents directly and receive a standard deed once all required details are completed. After document verification, individuals will only need to visit the tehsil office once for a photograph, receiving a PDF copy of their registry on their mobile devices within hours. This is a significant improvement compared to the current process, which can take several days.

Despite the ongoing issues, Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar confirmed that the registry process is facing hurdles but expressed optimism for a resolution. On a recent Monday, only one registry was completed in the entire district at Sohna tehsil, though Kumar noted that the numbers are gradually increasing. “There are certain glitches, and we are communicating them to the head office. We expect the process to be streamlined in the coming days,” he stated.

As officials work to resolve these technical challenges, stakeholders remain hopeful that the digital registry will ultimately fulfill its promise of a more efficient and transparent property transaction process in Gurgaon.